Nationally recognized expert in child sexual abuse prevention Joan Tabachnick receives national honor for prevention and bridging work

ENOLA, Pa., Sept. 1, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) are pleased to honor Joan Tabachnick with the Gail Burns-Smith Award. Tabachnick, a nationally recognized expert in child sexual abuse prevention, celebrated author of award-winning educational materials, and DOJ Fellow, will be presented with the award during the 2016 National Sexual Assault Conference held in Washington, DC August 31 through September 2.

This award, jointly sponsored by ATSA and NSVRC, is named in honor of Gail Burns-Smith, an advocate who devoted her life to strengthening partnerships between victim advocates and those working in the area of sex offender management and treatment in order to prevent sexual violence.

Within the field, Tabachnick's name has become synonymous with the term "prevention," and her passion is evident through the publications, public service announcements and expert advice she has contributed to the field. Recently, her Fellowship with the Department of Justice's Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART Office) has contributed to significant resources being committed to building evidence and capacity to prevent sexual assault on college campuses; as well as strengthening partnerships among federal agencies and with private partners.

Tabachnick's extensive work with ATSA to involve victim advocates and to establish a strong prevention committee, as well as her work with NSVRC to create prevention and reunification resources, is innovative, actionable and inspirational. Tabachnick has also worked the last 10 years with NEARI Press in Holyoke, MA providing webinars, books, monthly newsletters and other resources to professionals working with adult sex offenders and adolescents who have sexually abused or children with sexual behavior problems. She has been able to bring the work of NEARI Press to an international audience, reaching over 14,000 people with their important resources.

"Joan's body of work perfectly captures the spirit of this award," said NSVRC Director Karen Baker. "She has helped to connect victim advocates, treatment professionals working with people who have sexually offended and faith, education and other influential communities around our shared values. Her work provides all of us with valuable, practical resources to advance our common goals of preventing sexual violence and making communities safer."

"Joan's work throughout her nearly 30 years of experience has made a tremendous impact on the field," said ATSA Executive Director Maia Christopher. "Her focus on prevention helps bring us closer to a world free of sexual violence."

ABOUT ATSA
The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) is an international, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse. ATSA sponsors an annual conference for researchers, clinicians, and prevention advocates; has member chapters throughout the world; publishes practice guidelines; and informs evidence-based public policy and prevention initiatives. Visit www.atsa.com for more information on the treatment and management of individuals who have sexually abused or are at risk to abuse.

ABOUT NSVRC
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC translates research and trends into best practices that help individuals, communities and service providers achieve lasting change. The center works with the media to promote informed reporting; and leads the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign each April to educate and engage the public in preventing sexual violence. For more information visit www.nsvrc.org.